Q: How long does it take to become a patient care technician?

It takes a few months to become a patient care technician. Patient care technician programs vary in length depending on the state, but they usually take several months to complete. However, most patient care technicians first become certified nursing assistants because many programs only allow those already trained as certified nursing assistants to enroll.

Q: Is patient care technician the same as a CNA?

No, a patient care technician is not the same as a CNA. While these roles are similar, they have subtle but significant differences, which are essential to understand what makes the positions distinct regarding job duties, educational requirements, salaries, and career outlook.

Q: Can you be a PCT with no experience?

Yes, you can be a PCT with no experience. However, a person needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a training program to receive a nurse aide certificate. When enrolled as a patient care technician (PCT), a person learns about various medical aspects such as phlebotomy, EKG, anatomy, physiology, patient care skills, medical terminology, specimen, and more. Clinical and classroom education together provide the student with essential knowledge and skills for this field.

Q: Does a PCT make more than a CNA?

Yes, a PCT earns more money than a CNA, in general. Patient care technicians earn slightly more money, making around $14 per hour than just under $13 an hour that certified nursing assistants make.

Question 1

How long does it take to become a patient care technician?

Accepted Answer

It takes a few months to become a patient care technician. Patient care technician programs vary in length depending on the state, but they usually take several months to complete.

However, most patient care technicians first become certified nursing assistants because many programs only allow those already trained as certified nursing assistants to enroll.

Question 2

How much do patient care techs make?

Accepted Answer

Patient care techs make an average salary of $35,000 a year. However, this amount can vary depending on location and level of experience, typically ranging from $28,000 and $43,000 in annual salary.

Question 3

Is patient care technician the same as a CNA?

Accepted Answer

No, a patient care technician is not the same as a CNA. While these roles are similar, they have subtle but significant differences, which are essential to understand what makes the positions distinct regarding job duties, educational requirements, salaries, and career outlook.

Question 4

Patient Care Technician vs. CNA

Accepted Answer

A patient care technician performs the duties of a CNA but is also trained to perform some basic medical duties such as EKG readings and phlebotomy, while a CNA performs basic patient-care duties.

Question 5

What is a good starting salary for a Patient Care Technician?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a patient care technician is $23,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a patient care technician in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for patient care technicians is $31,024, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a patient care technician can vary by state.

Question 6

Can a patient care technician make 100k?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot make $100,000 per year as a patient care technician. It is highly unlikely to earn over $100k because the average annual salary for a patient care technician is $31,024. Even patient care technicians in higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $40,000 per year.

Question 7

Can you be a PCT with no experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can be a PCT with no experience. However, a person needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a training program to receive a nurse aide certificate.

When enrolled as a patient care technician (PCT), a person learns about various medical aspects such as phlebotomy, EKG, anatomy, physiology, patient care skills, medical terminology, specimen, and more. Clinical and classroom education together provide the student with essential knowledge and skills for this field.

Question 8

Does a PCT make more than a CNA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a PCT earns more money than a CNA, in general. Patient care technicians earn slightly more money, making around $14 per hour than just under $13 an hour that certified nursing assistants make.

Question 9

What are the duties of a patient services technician?

Accepted Answer

The duties of a patient care technician are numerous and center around assisting doctors and nurses in providing care to patients in hospital and clinical settings. These duties range from monitoring basic vital signs to tracking food intake.

Question 10

What should a patient care technician put on a resume?

Accepted Answer

Patient care technicians should include skills that highlight any technical training or work experience and responsibilities related to patient-centered communication on a resume. Because the duties of a technician are so varied, your resume should focus on your range and diversity of multiple skills.

Question 11

What skills do patient care techs have?

Accepted Answer

The skills that a patient care tech has range from physical abilities to soft skills involving empathy and patience. Because techs are often the primary contact/care person for patients in the hospital, they must possess various skills.

Frequently asked questions about patient care technicians

Questions about becoming a patient care technician